Archive for the ‘PAT Testing’ Category

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Landlord PAT

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

If you are a landlord, renting accommodation such as houses, flats, holiday homes, caravans, etc, there is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of your tenants. This requirement extends to any electrical equipment that is provided as part of the tenancy which should include operating instructions and safety notices supplied before a letting commences.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 states that electrical equipment, provided with the accommodation, must be safe to use. This means that landlords are responsible for the safety of tenants and should regularly maintain any electrical equipment supplied with the accommodation.

It is recommended that the landlord, as a minimum, visually check each appliance for safety prior to the next tenants arrival; frequent checks are encouraged to ensure the safety of all tenants. One of the easiest ways to minimise the risk of injury from a portable electrical appliance is to have these devices PAT tested.
Hallmarque PAT are a friendly family business who offer competent and efficient electrical testing at competitive rates. To discuss your requirements and receive a free quote please call 01673 860655 or e-mail enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk.

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Electrical Safety

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal. Most of these fatalities arise from contact with overhead or underground power cables.

Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions.

What are the Hazards?

The main hazards are:

  • contact with live parts causing shock and burns (normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill);
  • faults which could cause fires;
  • fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

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Student PAT Testing

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

If you are a student living away from home in rented accommodation, you may be required to have your electrical appliances tested in order to allow you to stay at your chosen residence. It is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that electrical items are safe to use. As such, it is becoming increasingly common for landlords to need proof that all electrical items are safe prior to their use.

For insurance purposes it is highly likely that they may have already tested permanent electrical fixtures within the property however you may be required to do the same for your own appliances.

Hallmarque PAT are a friendly family business who offer competent and efficient electrical testing at competitive rates. To discuss your requirements and receive a free quote please call 01673 860655 or e-mail enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk.

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Visual Inspection

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Visual inspection of electrical appliances should only be carried out by a person who is competent to do so. Any completed visual inspection of portable appliances undertaken should be documented.

A visual inspection of portable electrical equipment may sound simple however there are a considerable number of aspects to consider.
Suitability of the equipment and its environment

The equipment that is being testing should be suitable for the environment in which it is used or the nature of the work being undertaken. If the equipment is in a particularly hazardous environment this will more than likely affect the frequency of future PAT inspections due to the increased possibility of damage.

 
Maintenance of equipment
 

To ensure that an electrical appliance is safe to use, below is a list of a few recommended checks.

  • Any cabling should be situated as to avoid damage such as cuts
  • The source of power for the appliance should be easily accessible
  • There should be adequate ventilation for the equipment
  • Any liquids / fluids should be situated appropriately as to avoid spillage
  • The cord of the appliance should not come under strain
  •  Multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets should not be overloaded
  • No unprotected cables should be run under carpets

To make certain that a portable appliance is being used and maintained correctly, at a minimum; it is recommended that the user should review and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.

While some items only require a visual check, where possible, Hallmarque PAT endeavour to check appliances both visually and practically. By running physical tests on the equipment this helps to reduce the risk to the user by highlighting any non visible faults. Electrical appliance testing is an important part of health and safety, helping to ensure that your employees, students, residents or customers are kept safe.

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